Unite in ‘rescue package’ moves for troubled north Wal...

Unite in ‘rescue package’ moves for troubled north Wales printers

14 February 2014

Unite is investigating the possibility of a rescue package from the Welsh government, as a third of the 90-strong workforce at the printers, Dobson & Crowther in Llangollen, near Wrexham, face redundancy.

Unite, Wales’ largest union, has already contacted Welsh Assembly member for Clwyd South, Ken Skates, who is also deputy minister for skills and technology, about the need for a package to assist Llangollen’s largest employer.

Unite regional officer Tony Brady said: “The news that up to 30 jobs could be lost is devastating for the workforce at the town’s biggest employer and also for their families.

“Unite will be making strenuous efforts to save these jobs and has already been in contact with Ken Skates to see what help may be forthcoming from the Welsh Government.

“This area can’t afford to lose these jobs and it is a hammer blow to the local economy.

“The company has been struggling for some time and in November, the workers agreed to give up 7.3 per cent of their wages to tide the company through its financial problems.

“The company will lose its biggest contract in April and there is a big question mark over whether the company will be able to afford the enhanced redundancy terms for the workers that have been agreed with Unite.

“However, Unite will be campaigning hard to save these jobs and will be working with all interested parties to support employment at Dobson & Crowther.”

The 30 day consultation process starts on Monday (17 February).

The company’s website says that Dobson & Crowther is the UK’s largest manufacturer of litho printed envelopes, producing in excess of half a billion envelopes a year for the direct mail industry.